By Boris Esono
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Former Indomitable Lions of Cameroon Head coach Rigobert Song has been unveiled as Head coach of the Central Africa Republic National Team, close to two months after he was appointed.
Minister Rodolphe Bonheur unveiled Song and other members of the staff (appointed on January 13) to the Media this Monday, March 3. This marks a new beginning for the decorated Cameroonian football legend, whose contract was not renewed at the helm of the Indomitable Lions in February last year.
The former West Ham, Liverpool, and Galatasaray defender were appointed alongside assistants Eloge Yamissi Enza, Sebastien Ngato, and Eric Cabalero. According to top CAR Journalist, Fridolin Wambobo, the former U-23 Lions coach has signed a two-year contract which will see him earn 4.5 millions FCFA per month.
This will be Rigobert Song’s first major coaching role outside Cameroon. Magnan, as he is fondly called, is a decorated former player of the Cameroon National Team, having won over 100 caps for his country. He takes over a Central African Republic team eager to stamp its mark on the international stage.
A new beginning
This new role for the former Cameroon Under 23 coach represents a beginning and an opportunity to revive his coaching career and leave a lasting impact on the global stage.
The 2023 AFCON was the last major tournament that Song featured as coach of the Cameroon national team. The Indomitable Lions were booted out at the round of 16 by the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The disappointment saw Song’s contract not renewed and was replaced by Belgian Marc Brys.
In a Facebook post in Bangui after having an audience with CAR President H.E Faustin Archange Touadera, Song expressed his excitement about leveraging sport for a positive change in Central Africa and Africa.
He said: “I am convinced that sports can play a crucial role in building a stronger, more united society. Together, with the support of governments and private partners, we can make sports a leverage for positive change in Central Africa and Africa. I thank the President for his listening and commitment to this noble cause.”
The 48-year-old’s task will be to pick the team up after a disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying campaign. In terms of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, CAR is currently sitting fifth, and risk not qualifying for the tournament.
A festooned Career
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished football figures, Song captained the Indomitable Lions to two AFCON titles in 2000 and 2002 and represented Cameroon at two FIFA World Cups. Transitioning to coaching, he served as the coach of the U23 side of Cameroon before being appointed as the coach of the Indomitable Lions in February 2022.
During his tenure at the Lion’s Den, Song guided the team to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, following early exits at the World Cup and the round of 16 at the round of the 2023 AFCON, he was removed from his post. In over 26 matches played, his team managed to win 6 games, 8 draws and 9 losses.
A bold move from the CAR officials, the Football Federation is hoping to build on recent improvements, most notably the recent qualification to the 2025 African Nations Championship, CHAN at Cameroon’s expense and also qualify for other major tournaments.
The first major test for Rigobert Song in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier will see his Central African Republic side face off against Madagascar in March, before going up against Mali.
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